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The Supreme Court of India has intervened in a case involving spiritual leader Sadhguru and his Isha Foundation, temporarily halting a police investigation ordered by the Madras High Court. This decision came after the Isha Foundation challenged the high court's order, which stemmed from a petition filed by retired professor S Kamaraj. Kamaraj alleged that his daughters, Geeta and Lata, were 'brainwashed' into residing at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore and that the foundation prevented them from maintaining contact with their family.
The Madras High Court, prompted by Kamaraj's allegations, had directed the Tamil Nadu police to investigate the matter. However, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, intervened and paused the police probe. The top court took over the case and requested the police to submit a status report on the investigation. It emphasized that no action should be taken based on the high court's order until further notice.
Isha Foundation, in its defense, denied the allegations of brainwashing and asserted that the two women, aged 42 and 39, were voluntarily residing at its premises. The foundation further claimed that Kamaraj and others attempted to trespass under the guise of being members of a fact-finding committee. To support its claim, the Isha Foundation presented the two women before the high court, where they confirmed their voluntary stay at the ashram.
The Supreme Court, acknowledging the allegations and the gravity of the situation, decided to take a hands-on approach. The Chief Justice, expressing concern over the large police presence at the ashram, suggested that a judicial officer visit the premises and speak to the two women. During a virtual appearance before the court, one of the women reiterated her voluntary stay at the ashram and alleged that her father had been harassing her for the past eight years.
After a brief recess, the Supreme Court revealed that the two women had informed the court that they had joined the ashram at the ages of 24 and 27, respectively, and were living there willingly. This statement was further corroborated by the fact that the mother of the two women had filed a similar petition eight years ago. In light of this, the Supreme Court directed the petitioner, S Kamaraj, to appear before the court for further proceedings.
Source: "Cops To Stop Probe": Supreme Court Pauses High Court Order Against Sadhguru